Do the Scriptures give us a Theory of War?
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Herm OlsenSeptember 11, 2015
I am not a student of the topic. But it FEELS like it would be appropriate to renounce war, proclaim peace and promote pacifism - UNTIL moved by the Lord to actively take up arms. All of the arguments promoting aggression vs. promoting pacifism are mooted by that approach.
GreatScotSeptember 11, 2015
Scriptural evidence for, or against war needs to be divided into Old Testament and New Testament categories (i.e. - Old Covenant vs. New Covenant). Much of the Book of Mormon evidence occurs in Old Testament times. Christ deliberately made sure the disciples had a sword, which Peter used to cut of the ear of the centurion. Christ's response to that act and his noble path to crucifixion created a culture of saints willing to die rather than oppose enemies by force. That culture lasted several hundred years. Later apostate leaders would begin to use force against enemies without and heretics within. Notwithstanding all of this, the issue is still not "cut and dried". The Doctrine and Covenants may offer the most relevant instruction for our times and it would seem to offer a pragmatic, balanced approach to war based on self-defense, defense of family, and of liberty/freedom to worship. Inspired direction from God through modern prophets is our most important source always.
Kent BusseSeptember 11, 2015
I resonate with Brother Boyce in reaching out to "coalesce in a way that is completely harmonious and complementary." We are both based in Doctrine and Covenants 98:16-18 which acknowledges our many mansions. When the time comes, I plan to stand in the prayer circle ("best of feelings") with Captain Moroni even though I differ with Brother Boyce's attitude that "pacifism is completely implausible as the correct reading of scriptural teachings and episodes." Now a High Priest with a long life of uninterrupted church service, I filed my pacifist papers during my mission and was granted 1-O (conscientious objector) recognition upon my return from Switzerland. Because I do not believe that there is one "CORRECT" reading of scripture for all times and for all people, I am obeying what the world calls "the Christ within," what Joan of Arc called "voices," and what my patriarchal blessing calls "the influence of the Holy Spirit and the influence of the Holy Ghost." Rather than being a word in a dictionary, my pacifism is who I am. I hope that in fulfilling our respective callings, Brother Boyce and I are "harmonious and complementary."
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